Milwaukee City Wire

Helen Hamilton, the 21st CCLCs & Safe Places Supervisor for Milwaukee Recreation, is set to retire soon. Originally from Macon, Georgia, she relocated to Milwaukee in 1987 after her husband was recruited by Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).

In 1998, Hamilton was appointed to establish and manage the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center at John Burroughs Middle School. She later worked with the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center to operate the CLC at John Muir Middle School, now known as Carmen Northwest Middle/High School. Her experience led to her current position with Milwaukee Recreation in 2008.

Throughout her tenure at Milwaukee Recreation, Hamilton managed 17 21st CCLCs and Safe Places. She provided data-tracking training for all sites and led programs such as Lions Quest Social-Emotional and Service-Learning and summer ExCEL.

Hamilton expressed her dedication to youth programs: “Before- and after-school programs offer unique opportunities for students to explore and discover more about themselves, their dreams, and their future.” While she will miss collaborating with colleagues and staff, she plans to travel, volunteer, pursue personal goals, and spend time with family during retirement. “Thank you to all my friends, colleagues, and especially Milwaukee Recreation. It’s been a pleasure working here.”

Milwaukee Recreation has acknowledged Hamilton's significant contributions to the department's success.